Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Tuesday, flagged off the construction of Nortra Tractor Assembly Plant and Service Centre, in the state.
Flagging off the construction of theTractors Plant and Service Centre, the Governor noted that it was a significant step in boosting the Agricultural sector of the state.
“What we have gathered here to do today is not a mere symbolic act; it is certainly an act that takes us closer to the dream of having at least 1,000 tractors in Enugu State by next year.
He said the plant is a place beyond just tractor and Service Centre, in other to achieve the state’s visiion to grow the economy, we will realise the critical importance of Agriculture in the scheme of things if we must achieve this vision.
The aim of the government is to transcend Agriculture to an industrial scale, to ensure that we don’t only produce what we eat, we also export.
“We have always said that Enugu is going to be that premier destination for investors to come. But we realised that, that will not happen just by wishing for it. Which is why what we see here today is Enugu State going that extra mile of making it attractive for investors to invest here. Which is also why we have placed an order for at least 1,000 tractors, which we hope to at least have through this assembly plant.
“It would have been easier for us to place an order for 1,000 tractors. But we did not see the value in that, which is why we are only getting 200 tractors already assembled and imported here. But the remaining 800 will be assembled right here in Enugu State.
“Again, initiatives like what we are doing with Nortra, not only creates opportunities, but will creates employment for our people,” he said.
“He said government will continue to support Nortra to ensure that we provide the basic amenities, the right infrastructure, and also security for your investment to thrive.
Earlier in her address, the Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry, Adaora Chukwu, observed that Enugu was ODK Group’s first investment destination in Africa, adding that the Group’s specialisation and reputation for manufacturing innovative and high-quality agricultural equipment and machineries would scale-up agricultural production in the state.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, also described the venture as a huge leap for agriculture in the state.
Earlier in their address, the CEO of ODK Group Denmark, Mr. Morten Anderson, and the Managing Director of Nortra Tractors, Mr. Philip Njoku, said that Enugu was chosen as the first entry point into Africa because they “identified Enugu State as a state that is thriving powerfully in terms infrastructural development. He said the plant will not only boost Agriculture but will provide jobs for the people of the state.
